Novak Djokovic deserves a different treatment according Dan Evans

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Novak Djokovic is not going through the best moment of his glorious career. The Serbian champion did not win any titles in 2024 and his level has fallen significantly since last year. The former world number 1 - who had won three Slams in 2023 and also reached the final at Wimbledon - seems to have lost motivation and suffered several unexpected defeats in recent months.

Novak Djokovic © Getty Images Sport - Sarah Stier  

The 37-year-old from Belgrade hoped to win his eighth title at the Wimbledon Championships and his 25 Major, but Carlos Alcaraz dominated him in the final to win the match in three sets. During the post-match press conference, Nole admitted that he is currently far from the level of Alcaraz and Sinner and had doubts about his future.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion still has the Paris Olympics and the US Open to reverse the trend of his season, but the signs are not very positive. It was from 2005 that Novak did not win a title until August, a statistic that certifies very well his current difficulties. The former world number 1 has shocked the world several times during his long career, but the signs of age begin to be quite noticeable. At the same time, Nole is credited with reaching the final at the Wimbledon Championships despite knee surgery last month.

Evans pays tribute to Nole Djokovic

Despite his current difficulties, the other players know they cannot underestimate a legend like Novak Djokovic. During an interview with the British magazine ‘Mail’, Dan Evans paid tribute to Nole: "One of my best memories as a tennis player was training with Djokovic in Marbella before the season started. He is also a very polite guy, contrary to his villain image, his dedication at all times is the reason he is the best player we have ever seen. One day we will all look back and finally appreciate how good Djokovic has been.”

The Serbian ace will try to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, which will be played on the red clay of the French Open. Nole will not be the main favorite, but will be behind the world’s number 1 Jannik Sinner and the 4-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic© Clive Brunskill / Staff Getty Images Sport  

During a recent interview with Tennis Channel, WTA legend and tennis analyst Martina Navratilova reflected on Djokovic’s chances in Paris: “Well, it’s easier to go back on clay, which you just played on a few weeks ago, than to go on the hard courts. That’s when the body starts giving in, because the hard courts are much harder on the body.

Basically two weeks after Wimbledon is over, Olympics start and the top players who have played here, really have got such a short turnaround and then you’re there. And it’s emotionally exhausting and physically exhausting. And then they go on the hard courts. I think they’ll be really, you know, tongues hanging out at the US Open. I think they’ll be okay for the Olympics, but how much energy do you have? I think it cost Novak Djokovic the Grand Slam three years ago and now they are doing it again. It’s going to be tough. More than the surface, it’s just the emotional and mental stuff that gets you down.”

Nole’s gonna win a medal?

Novak Djokovic will have to find new solutions to beat a wild Alcaraz. The Spaniard is recharging batteries ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, to aim for a historic result. In one of the free moments, the four-time Grand Slam champion was the protagonist of a nice interview published on the ATP social channels. Protagonist of the format "Down the T", Alcaraz has chosen his favorite tennis player in some of the most disparate categories, from the most fun to the GOAT, passing through the most underrated tennis player and the best opponent.

Novak Djokovic © Getty Images Sport - Clive Brunskill  

The Spaniard made it clear in this Q&A that he was very fond of Frances Tiafoe, considered by the 21-year-old from Murcia the funniest on the circuit. Carlitos said he deeply admired Novak Djokovic, as well as considering Alex de Minaur the most underrated tennis player and Holger Rune the most trash talker. Alcaraz then had to choose his own GOAT: looking at the titles and records, his choice fell on Novak Djokovic, but he added that the rivalry of the Serbian with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal was the pinnacle of this sport. Alcaraz and Sinner will be the landmarks of the men’s tour in the next ten years, waiting for other young players to reach full maturity. Rune, Shelton, Korda and Fonseca are not yet at their level, especially in terms of continuity.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/jQiX6uJ

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